University of Sydney Union (USU) President eager to hear more from Government about funding for student life

The USU welcomes the announcement from the Government as a first step to assist student life and culture on University campuses across Australia.

"The University of Sydney has been a leader in the country supporting student organisations in the uncertain environment of Voluntary Student Unionism and this announcement comes as a relief. The USU is the biggest student organisation in the country and it was hit hard by VSU but thanks to the dedication of students and our relationship with the University, USU has sustained itself during tumultuous times,” says Ruchir Punjabi, President of the USU.

"It is re-assuring to know that the current Government recognises the importance of the co-curricular experience at Universities and has acknowledged the crippling effect of Voluntary Student Unionism.

"It has been a long time coming, and so, the announcement sounds promising.

"The structure listed as it stands looks like it has merit, but we wait to see more information as it unveils. I am worried that the proposed model will be prone to micromanagement from the Universities and the Government.

“We look forward to more details and the introduction of the proposed framework to the parliament,” says Mr. Punjabi.